Superfoods for Better Health, Beauty and Weight Loss

What is a Superfood? Simply they are Super Fuels for your body!

Of all the choices we have today of foods to feed ourselves, why would you choose the worst fuel possible for your body to run on and rebuild itself? Unlike your car, the body you live in is the only one you’ll have throughout your entire life, and if you want it to last a long time, have low maintenance, and get you to where you want to go, give it the attention and proper fuel to support it.

Consider your weekly investment in gasoline (say at $3.60 a gallon) for your car to get you to work. If some station were offering you some “not so great gas” for say $1.50 a gallon, would you risk putting this in the car you need to get to and from work every day. No, the problems it might cause would not be worth the savings you got. Then why would you choose to eat some highly processed $1.50 breakfast sandwich, muffin, bagel, or fast food burger, made with the cheapest ingredients possible, to fuel your body? It just doesn’t make sense if you want to function properly and if you’re planning on living a long and healthy life.

So invest in yourself and in good health. You can start by choosing the best foods possible and this means looking to what are referred to as Superfoods.

Here are some Superfoods and their health benefits:

# 1 Organic Pastured Eggs

Free-range or “pastured” eggs are a relatively inexpensive and amazing source of high-quality nutrients that many people are deficient in, rich in folate, vitamin B12, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Eggs also provide a good source of lutein, a type of antioxidant and have an especially high-quality protein and fat and they won't harm your heart as some suggest.

# 2 Kale

Kale is an inexpensive cruciferous vegetable that can help ease lung congestion, and is beneficial to your stomach, liver, and immune system. It's an excellent source of multiple vitamins and other nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium, and costs just over a dollar a bunch.

# 3 Organic Kefir or Yogurt

Adding kefir or yogurt is an excellent way to boost your immunity and increase your daily energy. Kefir is a traditionally fermented food that is chockfull of healthful bacteria (probiotics). Dietitians often refer to plain yogurt as the perfect food, and for good reason: with its trifecta of carbs, protein and fat, it can stave off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady. However, be cautious of sugar added to these products.

# 4 Raw Organic Almonds

Just be sure you avoid making the mistake of consuming nuts that are heated commercially as the fats they contain are perishable and will be damaged when they go through this type of processing.

# 5 FISH: Wild Alaskan Salmon and Sardines

Not only do fish fats keep your heart healthy, but they shrink your waist too. Omega-3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity—which helps build muscle and decrease belly fat. And the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns. Opt for wild salmon; it may contain fewer pollutants such as mercury. A note of caution here: do limit your weekly intake of fish, especially for children as most contain some amount of mercury. Mercury is a bioaccumulant compound which means it builds up in the body over time and is also a known neurotoxin.

Another good fish option is Sardines. These tiny fish are the unsung stars of the sea. They are high in protein and loaded with omega-3s, which also help the body maintain muscle. And they're low in mercury and high in calcium, making them a smart fish pick for pregnant women. If the flavor doesn't appeal to you, soak them in milk for an hour; it will remove any trace of fishiness.

# 6 Avocado

Avocados are an excellent source of healthful raw fat, which most Americans are seriously deficient in. They also provide close to 20 essential health-boosting nutrients. Don't let the fat content of an avocado (29 grams) scare you—that's what makes it a top weight-loss food. The heart-healthy monounsaturated fat it contains increases satiety. And it's terrific party food.

# 7 Organic Coconut Oil

Half of the fat content in coconut oil is lauric acid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauric_acid )—a fat rarely found in nature—that could easily qualify as a "miracle" ingredient because of its unique health promoting properties. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties.

All berries are good for you, but those with a blue hue are among the best of the bunch. They have the highest antioxidant level of all commonly consumed fruit. They also deliver 3.6 grams of fiber per cup.

#10 Sweet Potatoes

They're full of fiber, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Bake them like a potato, mash and even make simple oven baked steak-fries as a snack or side dish.

These are just ten out of an extensive list of Superfoods. Find a few more superfoods at the Living Well website in the articleEat More.

While there is no legal or medical definition, the superfoods listed above are nutrient dense powerhouses. They are superior sources of anti-oxidants and essential nutrients - nutrients we need but cannot make ourselves. Reasons to add these to your weekly food list includes: reduced risk of chronic disease, extend life, and people who eat more of them are healthier and tend to be thinner than those who don't.